tiny pleco fish has fungus growing on side fins

[Deleted]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum. I just came across this forum from kijiji. Bobbym has advertised he is making fish tanks and had this forum link on there. 

Not only am I looking for a new tank but I am also having some pleco fish problems.

The fish seems to have fungus growing on her fins, side fins and from the looks of it, it can't swim. I read to give it salt baths so I did and it cleared it up but it came back and it is in a separate place in case it is contagious. I am going to go to the store and buy some sort of medication. What can I tell the store attendant? Do you guys know what it can be? Can it be from injury or just poor water condition? Other fish are doing good. What medication should I buy?

Thanks

kimlee

[deez]

Can you post a picture that might help diagnose the condition.

[mitch25]

It could be grey, grown or white cotton wool like growths... likely started from an injury that allowed the spores to grab on.. these types of fungus can be abundant in areas high in organic decaying matter. The mucus layer is usually pretty good at stopping the spread to healthy fish but it can definitely happen. To treat, you might want to isolate the pleco and use any fungus remedy, then give the main tank a good cleaning. If this fungus is stemming from finrot you may need to treat that with a antibacterial medication.

[phish]

I would suggest Seachem Paraguard only because it's a rather safe medication to use. Any fungus medication should work though.

[Deleted]

Thank you everyone for your help. The fish has unfortunately died but I have not put any medication into the tank. I just tried to treat the fish in a separate little tank and so far the other fish are ok and no one has the same symptoms. I think maybe it was an injury and cotton wool. It did look like white cotton like growth on the side of the fins. Maybe she was a weaker one and has gotten that and the other ones are strong and did not get anything. I changed 25% of the water in the tank in case there was any problems. I will do another 25% water change soon.

[freshwater]

Sorry to hear you lost the little guy. Water changes are usually the best solution. When I have a problem I do water changes and vacuum gravel every other day using Prime water conditioner until it clears up. Do you use API aquaruim salt in the tank? I use API aquarium salt in all my tanks except for shrimp tanks. I believe it helps keep some of these common disease under control and helps fish with injuries heal

[jbows]

I know salt is not good for shrimps or loaches but what about cories???

[lesfromlakeshore]

Feb 28, 2016 14:10:00 GMT -5 jbows said:

I know salt is not good for shrimps or loaches but what about cories???

Salt is a definite no no for cories . Now some will say they have salt in tanks with cories but they do not like it ...

[jbows]

Feb 28, 2016 14:29:37 GMT -5 lesfromlakeshore said:

Feb 28, 2016 14:10:00 GMT -5 jbows said:

I know salt is not good for shrimps or loaches but what about cories???

Salt is a definite no no for cories . Now some will say they have salt in tanks with cories but they do not like it ...

Thank you Les. Good to know.

[phish]

I saw one of my balloon Rams today with two fungus growths on its side about 6mm cottony balls.... dosed with Paraguard and 12 hours later, its almost all gone. I always have some on hand.